Savoury Cheesecake With Roasted Beetroot (Print version)

Creamy cheesecake with a savoury twist, paired with caramelized roasted beetroot and fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crust

01 - 5.3 oz wholemeal crackers or digestive biscuits
02 - 4.2 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt

→ Filling

04 - 14 oz cream cheese, room temperature
05 - 7 oz ricotta cheese
06 - 3.5 oz grated mature cheddar or Gruyère
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Roasted Beetroot

12 - 3 medium beetroots, peeled and cut into wedges
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
15 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
16 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh chives, finely chopped
18 - Microgreens or arugula (optional)
19 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
02 - Process crackers into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter and 1/2 tsp salt. Press mixture firmly into pan bottom. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
03 - Blend cream cheese, ricotta, and grated cheese until completely smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add thyme, lemon zest, pepper, and salt.
04 - Spread filling over cooled crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes until center is just set with minimal wobble. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate minimum 2 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
05 - Toss beetroot wedges with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Arrange on roasting tray. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until tender and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
06 - Release cheesecake from pan. Arrange roasted beetroot wedges on top. Garnish with chopped chives and microgreens. Finish with olive oil drizzle. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cheesecake texture is impossibly creamy while still feeling substantial enough for dinner
  • Roasted beetroot adds natural sweetness that balances the rich cheese filling beautifully
  • It looks spectacular on the table but comes together with surprisingly little hands-on time
02 -
  • Overbaking causes cracking, so pull it from the oven while the center still jiggles slightly
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps and ensure even baking throughout
  • The chilling time isnt optional, it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly
03 -
  • Run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing to prevent the sides from sticking
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so plan ahead and set everything out an hour before starting

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